Local moving companies in New York

  1. Mabey's Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  3. Men On The Move: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  4. Roadway Moving : 4.86 out of 5 stars
  5. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/mabeys/, https://twitter.com/mabeysmoving?lang=en
93% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Mabey's Moving & Storage stands out with an impressive 92.5% positive feedback from 254 reviews, setting a high bar for moving companies. Customers consistently describe the staff as professional, respectful, and attentive, praising the team's careful handling of belongings and efficient work ethic. Many highlight smooth communication, quick processes from booking to move day, and successful management of complex or long-distance moves.
Most clients recommend Mabey's without hesitation, citing reliable estimates and stress-free experiences as major strengths. Negative input, making up about 7% of feedback, points to issues like damaged items, discrepancies in final costs versus estimates, and communication shortfalls in rare cases. Complaints sometimes reference insurance limitations or mishandling claims. A single neutral review notes both prompt reimbursements and delays during delivery. Compared to typical industry standards, Mabey’s earns stronger praise for care, politeness, and problem resolution, though accurate cost estimation remains an area for improvement. The company's reputation for professionalism and reliability is consistently reinforced by customer input.
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Get a Quote (518) 283-0017

Company Info

State license #: 623

Years in Business: 68

DOT #: 125550


Mabey's Moving & Storage has been serving the Rensselaer, NY area with local residential moving services since 1958, establishing a solid reputation in the community. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an average Google rating of 4.8 from 325 reviews, they stand out among nearby movers for their reliability and customer satisfaction. Beyond local moves, they offer comprehensive services, including packing and unpacking, without requiring a deposit upfront, making the moving process seamless for their clients. Though their Yelp reviews are more mixed, their long-standing presence and high customer ratings make them a trusted choice for local relocations.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
https://www.facebook.com/CollegeHunksLongIsland/, https://twitter.com/collegehunksny?lang=en
82% of all reviews were positive
18% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer feedback for College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is loaded with praise for their efficient service, courteous and professional staff, quick moving process, careful item handling, and strong communication. Out of 400 reviews analyzed, 82% were positive, making this company stand out against many competitors. Positive input consistently highlights how the movers arrive on time, work efficiently, keep customers informed, and take great care with items.
The booking and pricing processes are often viewed as transparent, and customers value the stress-free moves. The most frequent complaints, comprising about 18% of feedback, are about final costs exceeding estimates, items damaged during the move, and unresolved or poorly handled complaints. Many dissatisfied reviews point to pricing surprises or insufficient support when issues arise. Comparatively, this company receives higher marks for staff professionalism and communication than many rivals, but concerns about pricing transparency and damage claims remain. Those considering College Hunks can expect hard-working, friendly teams but should clarify all pricing and insurance details in writing to avoid issues.
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Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

State license #: 3319338

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 2378173


College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Hauppauge, NY since 2013, stands out among local moving companies with a broad range of services including residential and office moves, as well as packing and unpacking services. Unlike many competitors, they require no deposit and accept credit cards, making the booking process straightforward. Their consumer reputation is strong, with an average rating of 4.9 on Google My Business based on 1371 reviews, although Yelp reviews are slightly more mixed with a 3.8 average from 163 reviewers. While their BBB rating is a B-, their overall excellent service underscores their reliability in the local moving market.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/MenontheMove/, https://twitter.com/menonthemove?lang=en
85% of all reviews were positive
12% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Men On The Move for being efficient, professional, and polite. Most feedback highlights their careful handling of belongings, quick process, and competitive rates. Many describe a stress-free experience with friendly, respectful staff and transparent communication.
Issues that do arise are usually resolved quickly, setting them apart from many moving companies. Some customers report problems with damaged items, unexpected or higher-than-estimated charges, and a few mention rude staff interactions. These complaints, though less common, show that while Men On The Move consistently delivers top service for most, a small number have faced notable setbacks. With 682 reviews analyzed—85% positive—Men On The Move stands out with more reliable service, better staff, and smoother moves compared to other movers in the area.
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Get a Quote (516) 373-7077

Company Info

State license #: 11671

Years in Business: 37

DOT #: 526079

Alternate Names: Men On The Move Self Storage Company, Inc.


Men On The Move, serving Woodbury, NY since 1988, specializes in local residential moving services and has cultivated a reputation for reliability and professionalism. They also offer packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. Highly regarded by customers, Men On The Move boasts an impressive 4.0 average rating from 228 Yelp reviews and a near-perfect 4.9 rating from 68 Google reviews, complemented by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide full valuation insurance coverage, offering additional peace of mind to those entrusting them with valuable items like pianos, art, and antiques.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/RoadwayMoving/, https://x.com/roadwaymoving
92% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Top-rated moves aren’t a myth—Roadway Moving receives glowing feedback for being fast, careful, and professional. Out of 790 reviews, 92% are positive. Most customers highlight efficient and friendly crews, meticulous furniture handling, speedy packing and delivery, and excellent communication throughout the move.
Crews wrap and organize everything to prevent damage, and many note stress-free experiences even during complicated or long-distance moves. Many find the booking process easy and the pricing transparent. A few reports mention delays or lost items, and some cite poor communication or surprise charges when things go wrong. Damage to items, lost communication, and unexpected fees lead the small number of negative reviews. Overall, customer input suggests Roadway stands out for reliability, detailed care, and customer focus—making them a stronger choice than many moving competitors, particularly for those seeking peace of mind on move day.
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Get a Quote (212) 812-5240

Company Info

State license #: 38589

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 1854436


Roadway Moving, established in 2009, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around New York, NY. In comparison to other nearby moving companies, Roadway Moving stands out with a remarkable reputation backed by an average Yelp rating of 4.6 from 447 reviews and a Google My Business rating of 4.9 from 1590 reviews. Additionally, they hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. The company not only excels in local moves but also provides packing and unpacking services, office moving, and even labor-only services. With no deposit required and an acceptance of credit cards, Roadway Moving promises a seamless and reliable moving experience.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/PieceofCakeMoving/, https://twitter.com/pieceofcakemove?lang=en
95% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Piece of Cake Moving & Storage makes relocating feel like a breeze for most customers, with 94.5% of nearly 9,000 reviews giving positive feedback. Their crews often win praise for being efficient, friendly, and showing care with belongings, making moves run quickly and protecting furniture well. Many also mention good communication and stress-free experiences, even for moves under tough conditions.
Some reviewers highlight organized packing and transparent pricing as standout qualities that set Piece of Cake above their competition in major cities. Still, a small but notable group (5%) describe frustrating experiences such as item damage, surprise charges not made clear upfront, or missing boxes—and a handful share stories of items lost or mishandled during long-distance moves. A few neutral reviews point out that while customer support is responsive, the packing service can fall short of expectations. Compared to similar companies, Piece of Cake is recognized for consistent service, but it’s important for customers to ensure item lists are accurate and to monitor the moving process. For those seeking a smooth, hands-off move with careful, reliable movers, Piece of Cake comes highly recommended, but vigilance is wise to prevent issues common in the industry.
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Get a Quote (212) 651-7273

Company Info

State license #: 40244

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3066988

Alternate Names: Piece of Cake Moving & Storage LLC


Piece of Cake Moving & Storage offers top-tier local residential moving services in and around New York, NY, setting itself apart from competitors with its reliability and efficiency. Since 2019, this company has garnered a stellar reputation, boasting an impressive 4.7 average rating on Yelp from 1,580 reviews and a 4.8 average rating on Google from 3,214 reviews. They also hold a BBB rating of A-, underscoring their commitment to customer satisfaction. In addition to local moves, their comprehensive services include packing, unpacking, and specialty moves for pianos, art, and antiques. Customers appreciate that they accept credit cards, although a deposit is required.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Things to know before moving from New York to Chicago, IL

Cost of living: New York vs Chicago, IL

New York Chicago
Average rent cost $1,507 $2,045
Average home value $482,742 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $81,386 $71,566
Unemployment rate 4% 9%
State income tax 11% 5%
  • Rent is about 36% more expensive in Chicago than in New York.
  • Home prices are about 39% lower in Chicago than in New York.
  • The average income is about 12% lower in Chicago than in New York.
  • Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than New York by about 105%.
  • Income taxes are 55% lower in Chicago than in New York.

How life is different in Chicago from New York

Chicago New York
Population 2,746,388 19,571,216
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Democratic 60-40
Summer high 84ºF 81ºF
Winter low 19ºF 16ºF
Annual rain 38" 44"
Annual snow 35" 62"
Crime index 35.19 21.51
  • The population of Chicago is approximately 86% lower than the population of New York.
  • In the last presidential election, Chicago voted Democrat and New York voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Chicago is 84ºF and in New York, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Chicago reaches the temperature of 19ºF and New York gets down to 16ºF.
  • You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Chicago vs 44 inches of rainfall in New York.
  • In Chicago, it snows about 35 inches annually vs 62 inches of snow in New York.
  • Chicago has a higher crime rate than New York with a crime index of 35.19 vs 21.51.

Things to do in Chicago

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Chicago.

Museums in Chicagotoggle

  • The Field Museum
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Museum of Contemporary Photography
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Smart Museum of Art
  • The Oriental Institute Museum
  • Adler Planetarium
  • DuSable Museum of African American History
  • The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
  • National Museum of Mexican Art

Parks in Chicagotoggle

  • Millennium Park
  • Grant Park
  • The 606
  • Lincoln Park
  • Garfield Park
  • Jackson Park
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • South Shore Cultural Center Park
  • Humboldt Park
  • Douglass Park

Sports Teams in Chicagotoggle

  • Chicago Bears (NFL)
  • Chicago Cubs (MLB)
  • Chicago White Sox (MLB)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
  • Chicago Bulls (NBA)
  • Chicago Fire (MLS)
  • Chicago Sky (WNBA)

Universities in Chicagotoggle

  • Chicago State University
  • Governors State University
  • Northeastern Illinois University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Aurora University
  • Benedictine University
  • Concordia University Chicago
  • DePaul University
  • Dominican University
  • East–West University
  • Elmhurst University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Judson University
  • Kendall College
  • Lewis University
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • Midwestern University
  • National Louis University
  • National University of Health Sciences
  • North Park University
  • Northwestern University
  • Resurrection University
  • Roosevelt University
  • Saint Xavier University
  • Trinity International University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of St. Francis
  • University of Saint Mary of the Lake

Other considerations when moving to Chicago, IL

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Compare the pros and cons of New York vs. Chicago, IL

Comparing the pros of New York vs. Chicago, IL:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in New York vs Chicago side-by-side.

Pros of living in New York Pros of living in Chicago, IL
Natural beauty Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Arts Delicious food
Ample economic opportunity Abundant entertainment
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities Intense sports culture
Distinct seasons Ample economic opportunity

Comparing the cons of living in New York vs. Chicago, IL:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving New York for Chicago.

Cons of living in New York Cons of living in Chicago, IL
High tax burden High crime rate
Rough winter weather Temperamental weather
High cost of living Terrible traffic
Poor quality healthcare High taxes
Populous Pollution

FAQ

How long does a move from New York to Chicago take?

The time frame for a move from New York to Chicago, IL, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in New York, the longer the drive time to Chicago will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Chicago from New York can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from New York to Chicago?

Because of the 790-mile move, it’s best to book your move from New York to Chicago as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?

With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 19ºF, most people move to Chicago from New York during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Chicago during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources